China Cruises: Sailings, Embarkations & Ports of Call
21 ships from 13 cruise lines
China cruises at a glance
Waterways Cruise lists 109 upcoming sailings on 21 ships from 13 cruise lines visiting China, calling at 5 places. Cruises can start in Shanghai and end in Shanghai. Of 110 upcoming sailings, 18 start in China and 19 end there. More Asia cruises.
Reviewed and fact-checked by J. Richard · About this page · About us
Compare China cruise lines
See every China cruise line by ocean and river and by ultra-luxury, luxury, premium and contemporary style, with fares, cruise lengths, ships and ports.
About China
China is a monumental cruise destination: ocean homeports in Shanghai, Tianjin, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen connect to Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan, while Yangtze River cruises traverse the dramatic Three Gorges. The country's ancient wonders—the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Army—are unmatched anywhere. Travel requires a visa, a VPN for internet access, and patience with organized touring, but the rewards are profound for milestone travelers.
Typical routes
- Japan & South Korea loops from Shanghai, Tianjin, and Qingdao
- Southeast Asia & Vietnam from Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou
Ports overview
China's ocean cruise activity centers on Shanghai, Tianjin, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. Homeport itineraries typically loop to Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The cruise season is strongest from spring through autumn, with many ships repositioning to Southeast Asia or Australia in winter.
Cruise season
March–November is best; April–May and September–October have mild weather and clear views. Summer is hot and humid with higher water; winter is cold and foggy but cheaper. Ships operate year-round, but some sailings pause during Chinese New Year.
Find your China sailing
Upcoming sailings calling at China, earliest departure first.
6 Days Shanghai, China Round Trip
Starts and ends in China. Also visits Japan
Spectrum Of The Seas
91 Days One-Way from Sydney to San Diego
Visits China. Also visits Australia, Indonesia, Singapore
Azamara Quest
10 Days Shanghai, China Round Trip
Starts and ends in China. Also visits Japan, South Korea
MSC Bellissima
Why Book With Waterways Cruise?
Four decades of expertise, one dedicated advisor, and every detail handled, from your front door to the gangway and back.
Cruise Concierge
A dedicated advisor who learns your name, your travel style and your preferences, then stays with you from the first conversation to the day you return home. Not a call center. Never a stranger.
100% Custom‑Built
No cookie-cutter packages. Flights, hotels, transfers and shore days are designed from scratch around how you actually like to travel, then refined until the trip feels like yours.
40+ Years in Travel
Founded by J. Richard, a four-decade veteran of the travel industry, and focused solely on premium river and ocean cruising. Decades of ship and itinerary knowledge go into every recommendation.
Book With Total Confidence
A travel agency that is a proud member of Signature Travel Network, CLIA, ASTA and IATA.
59 Days One-Way from Sydney to Singapore
Visits China. Also visits Australia, Indonesia, Singapore
Oceania Vista
130 Days One-Way from Sydney to Southampton
Visits China. Also visits Australia, Indonesia, Singapore
Oceania Vista
13 Days Tokyo, Japan Round Trip
Visits China. Also visits Japan
Seven Seas Explorer
14 Days One-Way from Hong Kong to Yokohama
Visits China. Also visits Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan
Oceania Vista
9 Days Shanghai, China Round Trip
Starts and ends in China. Also visits Japan
Spectrum Of The Seas
15 Days One-Way from Hong Kong to Incheon
Visits China. Also visits Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan
Azamara Quest
14 Days One-Way from Tokyo to Hong Kong
Visits China. Also visits Japan, South Korea, Taiwan
Oceania Nautica
28 Days One-Way from Tokyo to Singapore
Visits China. Also visits Japan, South Korea, Taiwan
Oceania Nautica
14 Days One-Way from Hong Kong to Yokohama
Visits China. Also visits Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan
Crystal Serenity
Where China cruises start and end
Embarkation ports (1)
Shanghai (103) (cruises from)
Disembarkation ports (1)
Shanghai (103)
Ships by type: 21 ocean 2 expedition · a ship that visits several places here is counted once; an expedition ship that also sails as an ocean ship appears under both types.
Plan your China cruise
China cruise port guide
Cruise ports, what to see, history and practical advice.
China cruise port guide →Frequently asked questions about China cruises
How many places do cruises visit in China?
5 China places are visited by 21 ships from 13 cruise lines.
When is the best time to take a China cruise?
March–November is best; April–May and September–October have mild weather and clear views. Summer is hot and humid with higher water; winter is cold and foggy but cheaper. Ships operate year-round, but some sailings pause during Chinese New Year.
Sources and further reading
Background on China draws on these references. Sailing, fare and port data come from cruise line itineraries and are refreshed regularly.
- CIA World Factbook: China
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: China
- U.S. Department of State: China International Travel Information
- Royal Caribbean International: China Cruises
- Viking River Cruises: China River Cruises
- TravelChinaGuide: Yangtze River Cruise Guide
Created by the Waterways Cruise content team and reviewed and fact-checked by J. Richard, Sr. Cruise Travel Agent and Founder of Waterways Cruise.
Published September 9, 2026 · Last updated October 25, 2026
Fares, availability and itineraries change often. Confirm current details with your cruise line or a Waterways Cruise agent before you book.
Cruise Disclosure
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
We work hard to make sure everything on this website is accurate and up to date. However, some information may be incomplete or inaccurate, including details supplied by third parties or otherwise outside our control, and we cannot be held responsible for such errors. We work with 41 cruise line operators, that are providing cruises on 585 ships visiting 1,731 ports across 7,194 unique cruises, creating 13,822 itineraries. This is a great deal of data to continually update daily from our suppliers. If a pricing error, misrepresentation, or omission occurs, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing, correct the information, or cancel or decline any booking made in error, with notice to you. Thank you for your understanding!